I have been writing and performing songs in front of a live audience since I was 14 yrs old. When I was 16 years old I got to be part of a front group that played for many old country stars such as Carl Perkins, Little Jimmy Dickens, Box Car Willie, The Wilburn Brothers, Norvel Felts, Farron Young, John Anderson and others. When I was 26, I won an audition that took me to Nashville, TN where I performed my original song, "Three Little Boys" on the Nashville Review on television. When I was 31, I recorded my first original Gospel Album that recieved air time in ten different states. I appeared on the Gospel Connection out of Indianapolis, Indiana. In 2013 I did an album called Living In Love. Blues artist Dave Hunt layed some amazing harmonica tracks for me. In 2017, Dave Hunt and I did a duet called, "Honeysuckle Rose." For the last ten years, I have devoted my life playing for the Veterans and the elderly, performing twenty to thirty shows a month and traveling throughtout Indiana and Illinois. My life's dream would to be a signed songwriter under a record label.
Music to me is emotion put to sound. It can pick you up or speak to your heart. It helps you to connect with yourself and others. It can release pinned up sorrow. It is as necessary to me as water and food.
My dream is to be a signed songwriter so that my songs may be heard to inspire and touch others.
The first thing I would change is that people would truly understand and care for each other.
My favorite childhood song would have to be "You Are My Sunshine." It was the first song my father taught me how to play on the guitar when I was seven.
The list is almost endless. If I had to name a few I guess I would say, Wynonna, The Eagles, Steve Miller, Dolly Parton, Tom Petty, Paul Simon, James Taylor, Willie Nelson, Styx, John Denver, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Doobie Brothers, Meatloaf, Carly Simon, Carol King.
Life and people. Sometimes you have to get your emotion out and there is no better way to do it. I like to write songs that are close to my heart.
Each song has its own message. My music is positive and thought-provoking.
When I perform in front of an audience, my mind is totally on them. I watch their reaction and I choose songs that they are responding too. I feel connected with each and every one of them. I feel that this is what I am supposed to be doing. All of my problems are left at the door. I am elated.
There is too much karaoke. I miss the days of more live music. Singer/Songwriters should be heard more. I would love to see more venues that showcased singer/songwriters.
I think Drooble is a long time coming! It is a wonderful way for singer/songwriters like myself to be heard.
When gigs get canceled at the last minute.
I support great bands by going to their venues. Again I wish there were more venues for writers. I purchase music that I love. I do my best to encourage good musicians to continue doing what they do.
I think the quality most important is to have great songs to perform. It is also important to relate to every song you perform. Be unique and do not try to imitate others.
Dave Hunt, RantJamz, Brady Johnson, Orla Gartland, Miss Stephanie, HAZEYDAZE, Joe Monaghan, alien6467, Collective Conscience, Magic Jones, Faith and the Fallen.